July News: Beat the heat at the Y

Beat the heat at the Y 
When it’s hot or rainy outside, it’s cool and dry inside the Y. Drop in for a swim, a game of pickleball, or a new class. Keep reading to learn more about summer programs and activities and get ready for the fall.

Celebrate America's birthday
All YMCA programs and facilities will be closed on Thursday, July 4. Normal operations will resume on July 5.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Check afterschool off your list 
Get a head start on back-to-school shopping by signing up for afterschool childcare this fall. Review the options and register now to ensure a spot for the 2024-2025 school year.

"Me" time for kids and parents
It’s fun to have the kids home for the summer. It’s also good to have time to yourself. The Y offers several fun, affordable, and entertaining babysitting options, including Kids Club, Parents Night Out, and Parents Morning Out. Take a break while your kids have fun in a safe environment. Click here to find your program and sign up.

Fall back into sports 
Registration is now open for fall sports! Our sports programs encourage children to reach their full potential by creating a healthy outlet for them to gain new skills, work as a team, and connect with positive role models — all in an inclusive environment. Learn more here.

Get a lock on teen fun 
Teens are invited to a Leaders Club Overnight Lock-in Aug. 10-11 at the Reuter Family Y! Parents are encouraged to attend the opening informational session from 4-5 p.m. on Aug. 10. After parents leave, teens will engage in various fun activities. Learn more and sign up here.

Half-day camps = full-size fun    
Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained this summer? They’ll have fun at our half-day camps while learning new skills and making new friends.

• Our half-day sports camps for basketball, flag football, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball help kids ages 5-12 build skills and confidence in and out of the game.
• Children ages 3-5 will enjoy Camp Kiddos, a half-day enrichment program that introduces structured camp through arts, crafts, song, outdoor play, water safety, and fun educational activities.

Have a field day
Grab your little one and join us for a fun day in the sun at the Asheville Y on July 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.! At Field Day AVL guardians and children will compete as a team in a three-legged race, water balloon toss, and more. This event is free and open to all. Learn more here.

HEALTHY LIVING

Y announces new healthy aging partner
We’re pleased to announce a partnership with Hopscotch Primary Care to improve the lives of older adults throughout the region. Hopscotch, which serves Medicare adults, is now the presenting sponsor of healthy aging programming at eight YMCAs in Buncombe, Cleveland, McDowell, and Mitchell counties. Read more about the new partnership here.

Pick up pickleball
This summer the Y is partnering with Pickleball at Creekside in Black Mountain to offer expert instruction from a real pro, skill-based court assessments, and the thrill of pickleball in a safe, supportive, and exclusive environment. Sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Instructional time is available from 9:30-11 a.m. each day. Check-in is required at the Black Mountain YMCA. Special rate for Y members. Learn more and sign up here.

Prevent and manage diabetes
Take charge of your health today with the Y’s type 2 diabetes prevention and self-management programs. Find encouragement, motivation, and guidance with supportive small-group lifestyle change programs led by certified lifestyle coaches. New programs begin in late summer and are offered in both English and Spanish at no charge. Non-members are welcome. For more information, email us or read more here.

Get expert wellness advice
There’s no need to guess when trying to achieve your health and wellness goals. A YMCA Coaching Connection session gives members free expert advice to help you on your wellness journey. Learn more here.

Stretch your limits
Have you ever wondered if you're stretching correctly? Or why you're always tight in that one spot? In this four-week workshop you'll learn to stretch the entire body using different techniques. A certified stretching and flexibility coach will guide you to experience stretching in a whole new way. The workshop begins July 11 at the Reuter Family YMCA at 9:30 a.m. Learn more and sign up here.

How to use HSA/FSA funds for membership
Starting July 15, YMCAs across the state are partnering with telehealth company Dr. B to make health and fitness more accessible. With a letter of medical necessity from Dr. B, qualifying patients can use HSA/FSA funds to save money on YMCA memberships, classes, and personal training. Find out more here.

Find support and motivation
One-on-one health coaching at the Y helps you make behavioral changes to find your best self. You’ll develop a relationship with your coach that allows you to explore your values, reasons for change, and your potential. Learn more about health coaching here.

Get involved
Visit our events page for a complete list of all upcoming events.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Feeding our community
Each week, the Y is in the community distributing healthy produce, simple recipes, and valuable nutrition information that's easy to understand. This service is free and open to the public, no questions asked. Find our mobile food market schedules here. If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer, we always need more hands to help. Learn more here.

Creating a safe space 
YMCA facilities in Buncombe County have joined the PorchLight Project to give survivors of intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence access to a phone to call for support and a place to wait for services to respond. Click here for more information about this collaborative initiative of the Buncombe County Family Justice Center (FJC) and partner agencies Helpmate and Our Voice.

What the Y teaches
At the Y, we aim to foster an environment where people can learn, grow, and help their communities. In a recent article for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, author Eboo Patel highlights how the YMCA bridges societal divides and fosters a sense of equality and belonging. Read more about his experience at the Y here.

Connect to community
The Y’s staff team has a passion for connecting with people. From coaching sports to providing care, leading group exercise classes to preventing food insecurity, our employees do work that matters. Follow your passion and make a difference in your community. Explore jobs with the Y here.